CHINA OPENS THE GATES: WHAT ZERO TARIFFS MEAN FOR AFRICA
China’s decision to remove tariffs on imports from almost every African country marks one of the most significant developments in modern Africa–China relations. At a time when the global economy is becoming increasingly fragmented by trade wars, sanctions, and protectionist policies, Beijing is positioning itself as a defender of open trade and deeper cooperation with […]
REFLECTING ON BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN TIMES OF WAR
A few years ago, I was fortunate to be a co-owner in a vehicle dealership. The lessons from operating a business in the automative sector were invaluable. One of many, I learnt the importance of consumer confidence in driving vehicle sales. After many years negotiating for the business, when we finally started, it coincided with three interest […]
CHINA-SA YOUTH FEDERATION’S RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT XI JINPING’S CONGRATS MESSAGE ON AU SUMMIT
The China South Africa Youth Federation warmly welcomes and highly commends the congratulatory message delivered by His Excellency President Xi Jinping to the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. President Xi’s message to His Excellency João Lourenço, Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Republic of Angola, and His […]
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA’S REMARKS DURING THE 7TH AU-EU SUMMIT
“Allow me to begin by congratulating our hosts, the Republic of Angola, on the 50th anniversary of their independence. This milestone is a reminder of the long road we have travelled together, as countries and as a continent. It gives us inspiration and encouragement as we chart the road ahead. It is fitting that the […]
MEC MNTOMUHLE KHAWULA’S REMARKS AT THE G20 CULTURE MINISTERS MEETING
“It is a profound honour to address this distinguished gathering of global cultural leaders – on behalf of the people and government of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa – at this official opening of the G20 Culture Working Group and Ministerial Meeting. KwaZulu-Natal is known across the world for its resilience, warmth, and diversity – a […]
BRICS MUST ACCEPT MORE MEMBERS TO BECOME A TRUE CATALYST FOR A NEW, BETTER WORLD ORDER
The annual BRICS Summit, to be attended by heads of state, takes place in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro in early July. BRICS, acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is expanding at the speed of a lightning. At the 2023 BRICS Summit in South Africa, six more countries were accepted as members into […]
ANTON KOBYAKOV IS RUSSIA’S RISING FORCE WITH PENCHANT TO “SAIL UNDER THE RADAR”
Anton Kobyakov, remember the name! He is a soft-spoken, erudite and affable Russian politician who serves as an adviser to the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. He also serves at the highest echelons of Roscongress, a state-owned enterprise responsible for various strategic initiatives, including international events assemble and management as well. The unassuming Kobyakov holds a […]
AFRICA DAY 2025: HARNESSING THE BLUE ECONOMY
Roundtable: Harnessing the Blue Economy and Tourism for Africa’s Renaissance Background The Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) and the University of South Africa (UNISA) in collaboration with several Tanzanian partners, will host the 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from May 18–25, 2025. Africa Day is a celebration of unity, solidarity, and […]
SADC EXPORTERS MUST UNLOCK NEW MARKETS TO SURVIVE THE TARIFF TSUNAMI
As the world continues to grapple with shifting global alliances and protectionist trade policies — triggered in part by the lasting ripple effects of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs — the Southern African Development Community (SADC) finds itself at a crossroads. With traditional export markets becoming more volatile, regional exporters must begin charting a new path: one that prioritizes […]
JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE MINISTERS OF DIRCO
South Africa’s Strategic Adaptation to U.S. Tariffs: Advancing National Interests through Policy and Strategy The new tariff regime arising from the decision by the United States of America which have been directed not only to South Africa, but the entire world necessitates strategic responses to maintain and grow our industrial base, as a crucial avenue […]